According to new data, a record 10.7 billion cans were recycled in the UK during 2023 – the highest number ever collected and the length of which would reach to the moon and back.
Alupro, the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation, and Every Can Counts, Alupro’s not-for-profit communications programme aimed at driving drink can recycling, have revealed the record-breaking stats following an analysis of Environment Agency figures.
They found over 162,000 tonnes of aluminium packaging were recycled in 2023 through kerbside, bring, and on-the-go recycling systems – a 13% year-on-year uplift and a 4% increase since the previous record in 2021.
For aluminium drink cans specifically, 81% were recycled in 2023 and last summer, Every Can Counts collected and recycled more then 64,000 drink cans at events and festivals across the country, including Mighty Hoopla, Download Festival, and the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
The organisation plans to emulate this activity this year, with team members heading to a range of events to collect drink cans as part of their goal to one day achieve a 100% recycling rate for drink cans in the UK.
Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said: “These record-breaking figures show the positive impact we can have as a country when we all play our part in the recycling process.
“Big or small, every effort made by the public to dispose of their empty drink cans responsibly helps to inspire further progress and improve recycling rates both at home and on the go.
“Aluminium can be recycled time and time again without loss of quality, and every empty drink can that is recycled can be back on sale as a brand-new can in just 60 days. With World Environment Day just around the corner, we hope people feel inspired by the latest figures and continue to make recycling a priority.”
Every Can Counts is a unique partnership formed between drink can manufacturers, drink can fillers and the wider recycling industry, all with the goal of reaching a 100% recycling rate for drink cans. The programme provides free recycling support to businesses and organisations throughout the UK.